Schools set to highlight Gonski gains

THE campaign to stop the federal government’s cuts to Gonski funding will intensify this week, with schools from around the region to highlight the gains their campuses have made under the funds already allocated.

The official launch of National Gonski Week begins today in Sydney, but schools around the state are expected to hold their own events.

NSW Teachers Federation president Maurie Mulheron said events involving parents, teachers, principals and members of Parliament would highlight the critical importance of the full six years of Gonski funding.

“It is essential that local communities deliver the message to the Abbott government that where Gonski funding is being delivered it is already making a big difference,” he said. “However, it is only after six years of full funding that schools will have the resources they need to give every child what they deserve.

“Our politicians must appreciate that for students across the nation and NSW, the full delivery of Gonski would make a vital difference to lifelong opportunities.

“It is only after six years of funding that all schools should be at a point where they have the resources required to fully overcome current disadvantages and ensure needs are met into the future.”

Mr Mulheron said the government had to restore the cuts made by abandoning the final two years of funding, in NSW representing a $1.2 billion cut.

“This is despite the support of the NSW government for full funding, where the education minister has recognised that the cuts are a ‘breach of faith with all school students in this state.’”